Start a Prevention Program or Activity

Start with your end in mind. If you want to have an impact, it's best
to think ahead about what you are trying to achieve. Programs and
activities work best when you have a plan and you create a
consistent, supportive environment to promote healthy behaviors.

It helps to have specific goals in mind that are beneficial and also
consistent with the goals of your organization. Fairfax County
has identified nine specific goals for children and youth. You may
want to use these goals as a guide for determining your desired
results. You may also want to focus on a specific aspect of one of
the goals, such as helping children and youth consume more fruits and
vegetables.

These are the Fairfax County Prevention Goals:

Children are physically fit with good nutritional habits

Children enter kindergarten fully ready to succeed

Children and youth are safe from violence and bullying

Children are born healthy - there are no disparities

Families have skills and supports needed to raise healthy and
thriving children

Once you have chosen your goals, consider what you need to be
successful.

Who is your audience? If children, what age range? If
parents, can you offer child care?

What facilities can you use? How many people do you expect
and does your facility meet that need?

Do you have staff or volunteers to lead? Do they need
training?

Do you need curriculum, equipment or supplies? Do you have
funds for purchases? Can you raise funds? Can you find
donated items?

When considering programs to implement, it is helpful to map out how
the program’s activities will help achieve the desired results.
Visit the University
of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension for guidelines on
developing a logic model to help you achieve results.

Once a program or activity has been chosen and is being implemented,
create a consistent, supportive environment. Know what
is being taught and practice it every day. This might mean
serving healthy snacks instead of sweet treats or listening to a
parent or child about issues they are having and assisting them with
finding help.

Prevention
Programs in Fairfax County provides a list of resources
for the Fairfax County community. Each prevention program
is managed differently and has its own set
of requirements. If you are interested in a specific
program, please contact the provider directly for more
information.

Evidence-based programs have been shown through rigorous
evaluation to be successful at achieving results if the program
is implemented as intended.. Many have a specific curriculum
available for free or purchase, and some require training.
Visit Evidence-Based
Prevention Programs for links to websites that
maintain lists of evidence-based or promising programs.